A Crucial International Soccer Match Sparked A Massive Riot In Africa

In the second leg of a qualifying match for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations — the most important soccer tournament in Africa — the Ivory Coast played Senegal in Dakar. The Ivory Coast was ahead 4-2 on aggregate after a first-leg victory, meaning Senegal needed a lopsided victory to qualify.

Didier Drogba put the Ivory Coast up 1-0 with a spectacular free kick, all but sealing Senegal’s exit from the tournament.

Some players took cover cover under riot shields and ran off the pitch, others huddled near midfield and waited for vehicles to drive them away.

The Ivory Coast fans in attendance were in the greatest danger, as Senegalese fans soon began pelting them with stones. Many people jumped over the upper-level barricades to relative safety on the lower levels.

After the players had escaped, Ivory Coast fans were gathered in the center of the field and left to wait until the rioters dispersed.

A few fans had to be carried out of the stadium on stretchers, and many others suffered minor wounds.

The match was abandoned, meaning the Ivory Coast will advance to next year’s tournament and Senegal is eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations. According to the BBC, a Senegalese official expects heavy sanctions to be levied by the Confederation of African Football.